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As of early September 2025, Norway's $2 trillion sovereign wealth fund has divested from Caterpillar and five major Israeli banks over ethical concerns tied to Israeli military actions in Gaza and the West Bank. The fund cited violations of international humanitarian law linked to Caterpillar's bulldozers and the banks' financing of Israeli settlements. It is ending contracts with external Israeli asset managers and intensifying ethical reviews, while rejecting full divestment from all Israeli companies.
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U.S. and China are escalating trade tensions amid investigations into Chinese imports of U.S. chips and U.S. sanctions on Chinese companies. Negotiations in Madrid aim to de-escalate, but new probes and export restrictions threaten to deepen the conflict, impacting global tech markets and strategic industries.
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South Africa's trade minister and the US trade representative held three days of talks, described as 'cordial and constructive,' aiming to repair strained relations. No immediate outcomes were announced, but a 'roadmap' was established for future discussions amid ongoing tensions over tariffs and political disagreements.
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Recent US tariffs and trade negotiations are reshaping global supply chains. Europe and Southeast Asia face new barriers, while US allies like South Korea and Australia grapple with demands for large investment packages and tariffs on pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. The impact on regional economies is significant today, October 6, 2025.
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ASEAN and Canada are close to finalizing a free trade agreement by the end of 2026, with discussions also underway to restart stalled US steel and aluminum tariffs talks. Malaysia promotes durian exports to China, highlighting regional economic ties amid broader trade negotiations.
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On October 10, 2025, President Trump announced a 100% tariff on Chinese exports effective November 1, responding to China's new export controls on rare earth minerals. This move has intensified US-China trade tensions, caused significant market declines, and cast doubt on a planned Trump-Xi meeting at the APEC summit later this month.
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President Trump has escalated trade tensions with China by considering tariffs on used cooking oil and other imports, retaliating against China's refusal to buy US soybeans amid ongoing trade disputes. The move follows China's export controls on rare earths and recent trade disagreements.
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China has expanded restrictions on rare-earth metals, now controlling 12 of 17 key elements, as part of a broader trade and geopolitical strategy. The US has responded with port fees on Chinese vessels, escalating maritime tensions. Australia offers to supply critical minerals, signaling shifts in global supply chains. Today's date: Tue, 21 Oct 2025 23:04:28 +0100.
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The US and Australia announced an $8.5 billion deal to develop critical minerals and rare earths, aiming to reduce reliance on China amid export controls and trade tensions. The deal includes joint investments, processing projects, and strategic cooperation, with discussions also focusing on security pacts and trade relations. The story reflects ongoing geopolitical competition.
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Trade negotiations between the US and China have produced a framework that halts imminent tariffs and advances discussions on TikTok, rare earths, and agricultural purchases. Both sides aim for a summit in South Korea, with optimism tempered by caution over implementation and deeper strategic issues.
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US President Donald Trump is in Southeast Asia for a series of summits, including ASEAN and APEC, aiming to boost economic ties, oversee a peace deal between Thailand and Cambodia, and meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. The trip highlights US-China rivalry and regional security concerns.
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The FBI director, Christopher Patel, visited Beijing to negotiate China's commitment to control fentanyl precursor chemicals, marking the first such visit in over a decade. The trip coincides with ongoing US-China talks on tariffs, trade, and drug enforcement, amid scrutiny over his frequent use of government jets.
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The Biden administration is set to announce exemptions on tariffs for certain food imports, including beef, citrus, coffee, and bananas, aiming to reduce consumer prices amid political pressure and recent election results highlighting affordability concerns. The move signals a shift from previous tariff policies.
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Switzerland and the US have agreed to reduce tariffs from 39% to 15%, aligning US duties with the EU. The non-binding framework aims to ease trade tensions, boost Swiss exports, and encourage US manufacturing investments, with implementation expected soon. The deal follows months of negotiations and high-level lobbying.
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Leaders from the EU, US, and Africa gathered at a summit in Angola to discuss trade, security, and infrastructure. Key topics included mineral processing, regional stability, and strengthening multilateral cooperation amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The summit aims to reshape Africa's role in global supply chains.